Description

Book Synopsis
In fourth-century BCE Athens wisdom went from being viewed as an activity performed in practical and political contexts to being conceived in terms of theoria, or the wise man as a 'spectator' of truth. This 2004 book examines this fundamental development and the cultural conditions which influenced and illuminate it.

Trade Review
Review of the hardback: 'Nightingale ably demonstrates the importance of theoria at a crucial stage in Western philosophy whose influence is still felt today, and she includes an interesting coda on the implications of theoria for modern environmental philosophy. Nightingale handles often complex and subtle material with clarity and insight; the writing is at all times lucid, jargon-free and her general argument has much to recommend it.' Journal of Hellenic Studies

Table of Contents
1. Theoria as a cultural practice; 2. Spectacles of truth: inventing philosophic theoria; 3. The fable of philosophy in Plato's Republic; 4. Theorizing the beautiful: from Plato to Philip of Opus; 5. 'Useless' knowledge: Aristotle's rethinking of theoria; Epilogue 'Broken knowledge'? theoria and wonder.

Spectacles of Truth in Classical Greek Philosophy

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    A Paperback by Andrea Wilson Nightingale

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      View other formats and editions of Spectacles of Truth in Classical Greek Philosophy by Andrea Wilson Nightingale

      Publisher: Cambridge University Press
      Publication Date: 7/30/2009 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9780521117791, 978-0521117791
      ISBN10: 0521117798
      Also in:
      Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      In fourth-century BCE Athens wisdom went from being viewed as an activity performed in practical and political contexts to being conceived in terms of theoria, or the wise man as a 'spectator' of truth. This 2004 book examines this fundamental development and the cultural conditions which influenced and illuminate it.

      Trade Review
      Review of the hardback: 'Nightingale ably demonstrates the importance of theoria at a crucial stage in Western philosophy whose influence is still felt today, and she includes an interesting coda on the implications of theoria for modern environmental philosophy. Nightingale handles often complex and subtle material with clarity and insight; the writing is at all times lucid, jargon-free and her general argument has much to recommend it.' Journal of Hellenic Studies

      Table of Contents
      1. Theoria as a cultural practice; 2. Spectacles of truth: inventing philosophic theoria; 3. The fable of philosophy in Plato's Republic; 4. Theorizing the beautiful: from Plato to Philip of Opus; 5. 'Useless' knowledge: Aristotle's rethinking of theoria; Epilogue 'Broken knowledge'? theoria and wonder.

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